Resonant circuit dynamic optimization system and method

ABSTRACT

A resonant circuit dynamic optimization system is described herein that can exhibit improved system charging functionality, can have multi-input charging functionality, and can improve the efficiency and speed of charging electronic devices. The resonant circuit dynamic optimization system can comprise at least one antenna configured to receive or transmit an electromagnetic signal, at least one variable component, and at least one dynamic adjustment circuit. The dynamic adjustment circuit can adjust the variable component to thereby modify the power transfer efficiency of the electromagnetic signal.

PRIORITY ENTITLEMENT

This non-provisional application is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/851,892 filed Mar. 27, 2013, which claimsbenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/616,101, filed Mar.27, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes asif set forth herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to storage device charging systems.More particularly, the disclosure relates to a system and method foroptimizing the charging of storage devices.

BACKGROUND

Inductive resonance has been used to transfer energy in free space. Suchsystems commonly utilize a resonant circuit to transfer the energy forcharging. When energy is stimulated at the frequency of the resonantcircuit, the output of the resonant circuit may amplify the energy,provided that the impedance is kept at a low enough level. As theimpedance reduces in the resonant circuit, the gain also reduces. Thequality (Q) of the resonant circuit is dependent upon its inductance(L), capacitance (C), and resistance (R). Various issues associated withinductive resonance include changing loads caused by changing positionsof the antenna in the system and changes in the impedance of thecircuit.

Although advances have been made in the field of charging electronicdevices, improvements are still needed to enhance existing chargingsystems.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the present invention, a resonant circuit dynamicoptimization system is provided. The system comprises at least oneantenna configured to receive or transmit at least one electromagneticsignal; at least one variable component operatively coupled to theantenna and that is configured to modify the power transfer efficiencyof the electromagnetic signal; and at least one dynamic adjustmentcircuit operatively coupled to the variable component. In thisembodiment, the variable component is configured to be responsive tosaid dynamic adjustment circuit.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a resonant circuitdynamic optimization system is provided. The system comprises anintermediate antenna configured to receive or transmit at least oneelectromagnetic signal; an intermediate variable component operativelycoupled to the intermediate antenna and configured to modify the powertransfer efficiency of the electromagnetic signal; an intermediatedynamic adjustment circuit operatively coupled to the intermediatevariable component, wherein the intermediate variable component isconfigured to be responsive to the intermediate dynamic adjustmentcircuit; at least one secondary antenna configured to receive theelectromagnetic signal; a secondary variable component operativelycoupled to the secondary antenna and configured to modify the powertransfer efficiency of the electromagnetic signal; and a secondarydynamic adjustment circuit operatively coupled to the secondary variablecomponent, wherein the secondary variable component is configured to beresponsive to the secondary intermediate dynamic adjustment circuit.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a resonant circuitdynamic optimization system is provided. The system comprises at leastone dynamic adjustment circuit; at least one antenna operatively coupledto the dynamic adjustment circuit and configured to communicate at leastone electromagnetic signal to the dynamic adjustment circuit; and atleast one variable component operatively coupled to the dynamicadjustment circuit and configured to communicate an adjustment signalfrom the dynamic adjustment circuit.

In still yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method forresonant circuit dynamic optimization system is provided. The methodcomprises (a) receiving at least one electromagnetic signal; (b)determining a power transfer efficiency of the electromagnetic signalwith a dynamic adjustment circuit; and (c) modifying the power transferefficiency with at least one variable component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be more clearly understood fromconsideration of the following detailed description and drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a resonant circuit dynamic optimizationsystem;

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a resonant circuit dynamic optimizationsystem;

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of a resonant circuit dynamic optimizationsystem having a variable capacitor;

FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of a resonant circuit dynamic optimizationsystem having a variable inductor;

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of a resonant circuit dynamic optimizationsystem having a variable resistor;

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a resonant circuit dynamic optimizationsystem having a variable antenna configuration with multiple switchingantennas;

FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of a resonant circuit dynamic optimizationsystem having a variable antenna configuration with a steerable antenna;

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a resonant circuit dynamic optimizationsystem having a variable antenna configuration with antennas havingdifferent orientations;

FIG. 9 depicts one embodiment of a resonant circuit dynamic optimizationsystem having a variable antenna configuration with antennas havingdifferent shapes;

FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of a resonant circuit dynamicoptimization system having a variable resistor;

FIG. 11 depicts a method of resonant circuit dynamic optimizationaccording to one embodiment; and

FIG. 12 depicts a method of resonant circuit dynamic optimizationaccording to one embodiment.

References in the detailed description correspond to like references inthe various drawings unless otherwise noted. Descriptive and directionalterms used in the written description such as right, left, back, top,bottom, upper, side, et cetera, refer to the drawings themselves as laidout on the paper and not to physical limitations of the disclosureunless specifically noted. The drawings are not to scale, and somefeatures of examples shown and discussed are simplified or amplified forillustrating principles and features as well as advantages of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The system described herein can exhibit improved system chargingfunctionality, can have multi-input charging functionality, and canimprove the efficiency and speed of charging electronic devices. In oneor more embodiments described herein, the system utilizes a controlalgorithm in conjunction with inductive resonant circuits to optimizethe energy being transferred, propagated, and directed to a final load.In one embodiment, this may be achieved by providing a control loop atany stage of the inductive resonant coupling system. In anotherembodiment, the system may comprise an analog to digital converter atthe driver for monitoring the energy that is being driven to theresonant driving circuit.

In various embodiments, part of the system may comprise an antenna whichmay act as an inductor, a resistor, and a capacitor. In suchembodiments, the inductor, resistor, and capacitor of the antenna maycomprise the resonant circuit at the driver. In certain embodiments, thecapacitor value may be adjusted to optimize the transfer of energy inthe system. In one or more embodiments, the inductor value, thecapacitive value, the resistor value, the switching frequency of thedriver, or a combination of these within the system can be adjusted. Inone embodiment, the system can comprise an energy monitoring circuit atthe driver for evaluating the energy transfer and adjusting a variablecomponent that has an effect on resonance, such as capacitance.Likewise, a similar approach may be utilized at the load to maximizeenergy transfer. For example, the system can comprise a monitoringcircuit at the load for evaluating and adjusting energy transfer and forproviding adjustments to another variable component that has an effecton resonance, such as capacitance.

In various embodiments, the variable component may comprise anadjustable inductor, a variable capacitor, a variable resistor, avariable antenna configuration, a variable antenna array, or acombination thereof. A variable inductor can include, for example, anadjustable inductance antenna. Furthermore, the variable antennaconfiguration can include, for example, a dynamically steerable antenna,a plurality of switchable antennas, or combinations thereof. Thedynamically steerable antenna may be motor controlled or transducercontrolled so as to facilitate the adjustment of the spatial position ofthe antenna.

In addition to changing the inductive value, different antennaconfigurations may be dynamically utilized in the system to helpmaximize energy propagation. In one or more embodiments, this can beachieved by switching between different antennas which may bedifferently shaped or oriented. In one embodiment, it is envisioned thatthe antennas may also be steered dynamically to configure them foroptimal energy transfer. In various embodiments, the dynamic controlvariables, frequency, and passive values at any stage may be monitoredand controlled by respective dynamic adjustment circuits.

In one or more embodiments, the system may comprise a wirelessconfiguration for handshaking through the inductive resonant couplingsystem in order to communicate throughout the system. In suchembodiments, the wireless configuration may use high or low frequencycommunication links such as, for example, ZigBee, WiFi, Bluetooth, orthe like. In addition to these wireless communications, the inductiveresonance system may use the system itself as a communication network.In various embodiments, communication links from one entity (e.g., thedriver, propagation point, or load) to another entity in the system maybe achieved by altering the frequency, impedance, capacitance,resistance, and the like. In certain embodiments, the communicationlinks may be uni-directional, bi-directional, or a combination thereof.In one embodiment, the communication links may be accomplished via awired or opto-coupling.

In one or more embodiments, the system may comprise an inductivewireless power pack that a person can carry. In such embodiments, thewireless power pack can function as the driving device. In oneembodiment, the driving device may be configured within jewelry such as,for example, a necklace or bracelet. In various embodiments, a load fromsuch an application may be utilized for hearing aids, watches,electronic eyeglasses, transcutaneous electrical nerve simulation unit,pace makers, and the like. The system may also be utilized for non-localapplications, which may include, for example, wireless speakers, smartgrid applications, and the like.

It should be noted that any of the above concepts and embodiments may becombined and utilized as long they are compatible. In certainembodiments, control of the system may be placed at one or more of theinductive resonant circuit links. Furthermore, in various embodiments,one or more drivers, propagating nodes, and loading nodes may be used inthe system. In one embodiment, combinations of frequencies may also beutilized in the system.

The features and other details of the disclosure will now be moreparticularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich various illustrative examples of the disclosed subject matter areshown and/or described. It will be understood that particular examplesdescribed herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitationsof the disclosure. The disclosed subject matter should not be construedor limited to any of the examples set forth herein. These examples areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the disclosed subject matter to those skilledin the art. The principle features of this disclosure can be employed invarious examples while remaining within the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexamples and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosed subjectmatter. Like number refer to like elements throughout. As used hereinthe term “and/or” includes any combination of one or more of theassociated listed items. Also, as used herein, the singular forms “a”,“an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understoodthat the terms “comprises”, and/or “comprising” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Also, as usedherein, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, leftand right, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity oraction from another entity or action without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities oractions.

FIG. 1 depicts a resonant circuit dynamic optimization system 100comprising of multiple stages and that comprises an antenna 110, anintermediate antenna 112, and a receiving antenna 114 configured totransmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals, variable components116, 118, and 120 operatively coupled to the antennas, and dynamicadjustment circuits 122, 124, and 126 operatively coupled to thevariable components. A magnetic signal can be propagated by this systemand can be referred to as the “energy waveguide.” Each of the antennas110, 112, and 114 can capture the energy waveguide and/or assist inpropagating the energy waveguide by modifying an antenna interactionparameter, which can be controlled by tuning and detuning the resonanceof each antenna. The antenna interaction parameter at least partiallyaffects the resonance of the circuits 122, 124, and 126, for example, bymodifying the inductance, capacitance, or resistance of the circuits, bymodifying the number of antennas or direction of the antennas in thesystem, and/or by modifying the amplitude or frequency of theelectromagnetic signals. The dynamic adjustment circuits 122, 124, and126 can adjust the variable components 116, 118, and 120 to therebymodify the power transfer efficiency of the electromagnetic signals. Thevariable components 116, 118, and 120 are responsive to the dynamicadjustment circuits 122, 124, and 126. The variable components 116, 118,and 120 in this embodiment are variable capacitors. In this particularembodiment, one or more intermediate loads may be utilized to assist inthe energy waveguide propagation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dynamic adjustment circuits 122, 124, and 126can determine the power transfer efficiency of the electromagneticsignals. The system further comprises at least one rectifier 128, atleast one power capacitor 130, and a load 132 operatively coupled to thedynamic adjustment circuit 124. The rectifier 128 may be a full bridge,half bridge, passive, and/or active. If the rectifier 128 is active,then it may be fully synchronous, a half synchronous bridge, ordynamically adjusted to be fully synchronous, half synchronous, orasynchronous.

The dynamic adjustment circuit 126 may comprise a regulator 134 tied tothe bridge circuit through an input capacitor 136. The regulator 134 maybe linear and/or switching. An oscillator 138 having a crystal 140 iselectrically connected to a synchronous MOSFET driver 142. A feedback144 is electrically connected from an analog to digital converter 146 tothe oscillator. The feedback circuit 126 may be connected from theanalog to digital converter to an adjustable capacitor 120. Inalternative embodiments not depicted herein, the circuit may comprise nofeedbacks or may utilize one or more feedbacks. A pair of switches 148connects the synchronous MOSFET driver 142 to the adjustable capacitor120.

FIG. 2 shows a resonant circuit dynamic optimization system 200 with thesame circuit configurations depicted in FIG. 1 with the addition ofcommunication links 210, 212, and 214 operatively coupled to the dynamicadjustment circuits 216, 218, and 220. The feedback from thecommunication links 210, 212, and 214 may be utilized to adjust thefrequency, amplitude, or resonance point of the driver antenna 222. Thecommunication links 210, 212, and 214 are configured to receivecommunication signals. The communication links 210, 212, and 214 cancomprise any one of the following communication configurations: aZigBee, WiFi, wireless local area network, Bluetooth, wired, and/oropto-coupling. As shown in FIG. 2, communications link 214 is tied tothe driver circuit 220, communications link 212 is tied to theintermediate dynamic adjustment circuit 218, and communications link 210is tied to the dynamic adjustment circuit 216. The communication links210, 212, and 214 may be used to provide spatial location, which may beused to further optimize the system control loop by adjusting theresonance of each of individual transmitter or load control loops.

FIG. 3 depicts a resonant circuit dynamic optimization system 300comprising a variable component that comprises a variable capacitor 310,which may be applied to a load 312 or one or more intermediate loads.The system further comprises an antenna 314, a dynamic adjustmentcircuit 316, a rectifier 318, and a power capacitor 320.

FIG. 4 depicts a resonant circuit dynamic optimization system 400comprising a variable component that comprises a variable inductor 410,which may be applied to a load 412 or one or more intermediate loads. Inthis embodiment, it is envisioned that the variable inductor 410comprises an adjustable inductance antenna. The system further comprisesan antenna 414, a dynamic adjustment circuit 416, a rectifier 418, and apower capacitor 420.

FIG. 5 depicts a resonant circuit dynamic optimization system 500comprising a variable component that comprises a variable resistor 510,which may be applied to a load 512 or one or more intermediate loads. Inthis embodiment, the variable resistance may be dynamically adjustedwhen the load circuit is applied. Furthermore, the dynamic loadadjustment may be resistive or complex. The system further comprises anantenna 514, a dynamic adjustment circuit 516, a rectifier 518, and apower capacitor 520.

FIG. 6 depicts a resonant circuit dynamic optimization system 600comprising a variable component that comprises a variable antennaconfiguration 610. Furthermore, an antenna switch 612 is operablycoupled to the variable antenna configuration 610 and a dynamicadjustment circuit 614. The antenna switch 612 may be applied in series,in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel. The systemfurther comprises a rectifier 616, a power capacitor 618, and a load620.

FIG. 7 depicts a resonant circuit dynamic optimization system 700comprising a variable component that comprises a variable antennaconfiguration in the form of a dynamically steerable antenna 710, whichis operably coupled to a dynamic adjustment circuit 712. In thisembodiment, the dynamically steerable antenna 710 may be motorcontrolled or transducer controlled so as to facilitate the adjustmentof the spatial position of the antenna and thereby permit theoptimization of energy waveguide capture. The system further comprises arectifier 714, a power capacitor 716, and a load 718.

FIG. 8 depicts a resonant circuit dynamic optimization system 800comprising a variable component that comprises a variable antennaconfiguration in the form of a plurality of switchable antennas 810. Theplurality of switchable antennas 810 comprises two orientations and isoperably connected to an antenna switch 812 and a dynamic adjustmentcircuit 814. In this embodiment, the variable antenna configuration maybe switched into the circuit or shunted in order to remove it from thecircuit, thereby providing a means to modify the energy waveguidecapture. The system further comprises a rectifier 816, a power capacitor818, and a load 820.

FIG. 9 depicts a resonant circuit dynamic optimization system 900comprising a variable component that comprises a variable antennaconfiguration in the form of a plurality of switchable antennas 910. Theplurality of switchable antennas 910 comprise at least two shapes andare operably connected to an antenna switch 912 and a dynamic adjustmentcircuit 914. The system further comprises a rectifier 916, a powercapacitor 918, and a load 920.

FIG. 10 depicts a resonant circuit dynamic optimization system 1000comprising a 1010 that is operatively coupled to an antenna 1012. Theantenna 1012 communicates at least one electromagnetic signal to thedynamic adjustment circuit 1010. The system also comprises a variablecomponent 1014 operatively coupled to the dynamic adjustment circuit1012, which communicates at least one adjustment signal from the dynamicadjustment circuit 1012. In this embodiment, the variable component 1014is a variable capacitor.

As shown in FIG. 10, the system further comprises a communication link1016 that is operatively coupled to the dynamic adjustment circuit 1012.The communication link 1016 communicates at least one communicationsignal to the dynamic adjustment circuit 1012 and can be uni-directionaland/or bi-directional. The system further comprises a resonant circuitinterface 1018 operatively coupled to the dynamic adjustment circuit. Inaddition, the system further comprises a load 1020 operatively coupledto the dynamic adjustment circuit 1012, which is capable ofcommunicating at least one power signal to the dynamic adjustmentcircuit 1012. The system further comprises a rectifier 1022 and a powercapacitor 1024.

FIG. 11 depicts a method of resonant circuit dynamic optimization 1100comprising the steps of receiving 1110 at least one electromagneticsignal, determining 1112 a power transfer efficiency of theelectromagnetic signal with a dynamic adjustment circuit, and modifying1114 modifying the power transfer efficiency with at least one variablecomponent.

The method 1200 depicted in FIG. 12 further comprises the steps ofreceiving 1210 at least one communication signal, which is at leastpartially relied on to determine a power transfer efficiency, andgenerating 1212 at least one power signal based at least in part uponthe electromagnetic signal.

While the making and using of various exemplary examples of thedisclosure are discussed herein, it is to be appreciated that thepresent disclosure provides concepts which can be described in a widevariety of specific contexts. It is to be understood that the device andmethod may be practiced with cell phones, personal digital assistants,laptop computers, tablet computers, portable batteries, and associatedapparatus. For purposes of clarity, detailed descriptions of functions,components, and systems familiar to those skilled in the applicable artsare not included. The methods and apparatus of the disclosure provideone or more advantages including, but not limited to, portable energyand high efficiency passive charging of devices. While the disclosurehas been described with reference to certain illustrative examples,those described herein are not intended to be construed in a limitingsense. For example, variations or combinations of steps or materials inthe examples shown and described may be used in particular cases whilenot departing from the disclosure. Various modifications andcombinations of the illustrative examples as well as other advantagesand examples will be apparent to persons skilled in the arts uponreference to the drawings, description, and claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: at least one first antenna configured to receive or transmit at least one electromagnetic signal from or to a second antenna; at least one variable circuit having at least one non-variable circuit component operatively coupled to the antenna, wherein the variable circuit is configured to modify the electromagnetic signal by modifying a parameter of the first antenna; and at least one dynamic adjustment circuit operatively coupled to the circuit component, wherein the variable circuit is configured to adjust an impedance value in response to the dynamic adjustment circuit, and the dynamic adjustment circuit is configured to determine a power transfer efficiency of the first antenna with the second antenna by measuring a signal across the at least one non-variable circuit component.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the variable circuit comprises a variable capacitor, a variable inductor, a variable resistor, a variable antenna configuration, or combinations thereof.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the variable circuit comprises the variable antenna configuration, wherein the variable antenna configuration comprises at least one adjustable inductance antenna.
 4. The system of claim 2 wherein the variable circuit comprises the variable antenna configuration, wherein the variable antenna configuration comprises a plurality of switchable antennas comprising at least two shapes.
 5. The system of claim 2 wherein the variable circuit comprises the variable antenna configuration, wherein the variable antenna configuration comprises a one or more switchable antennas selected from the group consisting of series switchable antennas and parallel switchable antennas.
 6. The system of claim 2 wherein the variable circuit comprises the variable antenna configuration, wherein the variable antenna configuration comprises a plurality of switchable antennas.
 7. The system of claim 2 wherein the variable circuit comprises the variable antenna configuration, wherein the variable antenna configuration comprises a dynamically steerable antenna.
 8. The system of claim 1 further comprises a communication link associated with a first dynamic adjustment circuit, a second dynamic adjustment circuit, and intermediate dynamic adjustment circuit and configured to receive a communication signal that is separate and distinct from the electromagnetic signal.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the variable circuit comprises at least one variable load, wherein the variable load comprises a resistive load, a complex load, or a combination thereof.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the variable circuit is connected in a parallel configuration, a series configuration, or a parallel and series combination configuration.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the variable circuit is configured to modify the amplitude of the electromagnetic signal and the frequency of the electromagnetic signal.
 12. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a first system having an intermediate antenna, the first system generating the electromagnetic signal; and a second system having the secondary antenna and a load.
 13. The resonant circuit dynamic optimization system of claim 1 further comprising: a first system having an intermediate-antenna, the first system having a driver to generate the electromagnetic signal; and a second system having the secondary antenna and a load.
 14. The system of claim 1 wherein the dynamic adjustment circuit is configured to determine a power transfer efficiency of the electromagnetic signal as a function of the at least one antenna, an intermediate antenna associated with a first system and the secondary antenna associated with a second system, wherein the electromagnetic signal is a wireless power signal that is transmitted from the at least one antenna to the secondary antenna and the power transfer efficiency is modified by the intermediate antenna and the first system.
 15. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one rectifier operatively coupled to the dynamic adjustment circuit, wherein the dynamic adjustment circuit is configured to determine a power transfer efficiency of the first antenna with the second antenna by measuring a signal across the at least one circuit component operatively coupled to the first antenna configured to receive at least one electromagnetic signal from a second antenna.
 16. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one power capacitor operatively coupled to the dynamic adjustment circuit.
 17. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one power conditioner operatively coupled to the dynamic adjustment circuit.
 18. A system comprising: an intermediate antenna configured to receive or transmit at least one electromagnetic signal; an intermediate variable circuit component operatively coupled to the intermediate antenna, wherein the intermediate variable circuit component is configured to modify the electromagnetic signal; an intermediate dynamic adjustment circuit operatively coupled to the intermediate variable circuit component, wherein the intermediate variable circuit component is configured to be responsive to the intermediate dynamic adjustment circuit; at least one secondary antenna configured to receive or transmit the electromagnetic signal; a secondary variable circuit component operatively coupled to the secondary antenna, wherein the secondary variable circuit component is configured to modify the electromagnetic signal between the intermediate antenna and the secondary antenna; and a secondary dynamic adjustment circuit operatively coupled in parallel to the secondary variable circuit component, wherein the secondary variable circuit component is configured to be responsive to the secondary intermediate dynamic adjustment circuit.
 19. A method comprising: (a) receiving at least one electromagnetic signal; (b) determining a parameter of the electromagnetic signal from a first antenna to a second antenna with a dynamic adjustment circuit based on a signal developed across a non-variable circuit element of a variable circuit; and (c) modifying the parameter of the electromagnetic signal with at least one variable circuit component by changing a parameter of one or more of the first antenna and the second antenna.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the determining is at least partially based upon the intermediate communication signal. 